Dutch out and about in Duncan Village
By Tabisa Mntengwana
29 November 2009
DUNCAN Village buzzed with activity during the week-long visit by a group from the Dutch city of Leiden, Buffalo City’s sister municipality.
A chock-full line-up included the opening of Xhewu and Meslane roads in Duncan Village, sod turning at a netball court and a prize-giving for a clean-up competition.
Following the 2002 floods in the area, Leiden committed itself - together with Buffalo City - to various projects in Duncan Village. These included cleaning up the watercourses, stormwater drainage and involving the community to create a habitable environment for people living along the river.
The river bank was once used as an illegal dumping ground; however, through these clean-up campaigns, the City has put a stop to the practice.
Speaking at the sod turning of the netball court on Wednesday, 25 November, the portfolio head for corporate services, Sizwe Dikimolo, said: “The netball field is to encourage young girls to participate in sport and to create a healthy environment in Duncan Village.”
It would give them a better future and teach them healthy habits.
The netball field will be erected next to the soccer field, which was opened in November 2008. There is a plaque at the field in honour of the people who died in the 2002 floods. More than six people died and 300 Duncan Village families were affected.
The two roads that were opened - Xhewu and Meslane roads - lead to the soccer field.
On Thursday, 26 November, the delegation handed out prizes to the winners of the clean-up competition, which began on 17 November and ran for a week. Five of the six co-operative companies in the township that were chosen to clean the area completed the task on time.
The competition was organised through the solid waste programme of the Buffalo City and Leiden partnership.
According to City’s development co-operation and international relations manager, Darby Gounden, the initiative was to keep Duncan Village clean and for the co-operatives to compete against each other for prizes.
Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, the deputy mayor of the Leiden, Jan Jaap de Haan said: “Today you are all champions for the work you have done in your area, keeping it clean while using the drop-off points provided for littering.”
Praising the co-ops, De Haan said: “Your contribution to this project has made a difference in the community. We encourage you to involve other residents to participate in keeping the area clean.”
The first prize of R15 000 in cash and R5 000 worth of prizes was won by Sinovuyo Co-operative, while second and third prizes went to Coceka Co-operative and Sivuselele Co-operative, respectively.
Coceka took home R10 000 in cash and R5 000 worth of equipment, and Sivuselele won R5 000 cash and R5 000 worth of equipment.
Prizes include a wheelie bin, wheelbarrows, spades, rakes, protective shoes, gloves and protective masks.
Contact us:
